Re: Soil pH

Charley's Greenhouse offers 2 low-priced meters.
http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/index.cfm?page=_productdetails&productid=6679&cid1=182&cid2=357&cid3=-99

I see that they have one that reads "fertility" as well as pH. I had one
of those once and never could understand it. You are supposed to let it
read the soil and then it tells you whether or not the soil needs
fertilizer. But what kind of fertilizer? It doesn't mention which
elements would be in short supply.


Kitty

--
Kitty 
neIN, Zone5

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Thanks, Kitty. Can you put a brand name on that gadget? 
> 
> As you know, Florida is a limestone formation; generally high pH. Many 
> [maybe most] tropical and subtropical fruits and flowers are happier in 
> a lower pH. I think it would be beneficial to some of my plants to be 
> able to raise or lower the pH. 
> 
> On Jun 6, 2005, at 3:43 PM, kmrsy@comcast.net wrote: 
> 
> > I have a cheap 2 prong meter at home, about $30. I used it extensively 
> > while I was taking my Guelph classes. Based on readings, I made 
> > additions to the soil and the subsequent readings reflected what I 
> > would 
> > expect, so I think it was reasonably accurate. I've read that these 
> > cheap meters aren't to be trusted, but it was sufficient for my use. 
> > 
> > 
> > I've never bothered with a soil test for my beds because it makes no 
> > sense to me. Each bed was developed separately and I simply can't 
> > understand how mixing soil from each will give me any relevant info on 
> > any single bed. If it were an undeveloped yard, I could see mixing 
> > samples from several areas, but not in my situation. 
> > 
> > 
> > -- 
> > Kitty 
> > neIN, Zone5 
> > 
> > -------------- Original message -------------- 
> > 
> >> How do you [all] determine soil pH? [Trying to decide if it's worth 
> >> springing for a meter.] 
> >> 
> >> Island Jim 
> >> Southwest Florida 
> >> 27.0 N, 82.4 W 
> >> Hardiness Zone 10 
> >> Heat Zone 10 
> >> Minimum 30 F [-1 C] 
> >> Maximum 100 F [38 C] 
> >> 
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> > 
> Island Jim 
> Southwest Florida 
> 27.0 N, 82.4 W 
> Hardiness Zone 10 
> Heat Zone 10 
> Minimum 30 F [-1 C] 
> Maximum 100 F [38 C] 
> 
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